Looking Back at the Quake of 2011

It’s been one year since a 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Virginia struck the East Coast. But if you were involved in it, you probably remember where you were and what you were doing at the time as though it were yesterday.

Fortunately, nobody was reported hurt from the aftermath of the earthquake, and damage in the Philadelphia/South Jersey metro area was fairly minimal compared to the epicenter area a couple hundred miles south of here. Delaware Valley area roads, bridges, and other infrastructure held up overwhelmingly well, though some isolated buildings suffered damage.

An interesting article in Philly.com (by way of The Associated Press) about the earthquake, details some of the effects and statistics pertaining to this monumental event, including these tidbits:

Due to its proximity to many large cities from North Carolina to New Jersey, the earthquake may have been felt by more people in the United States than any other in history

Some schools and other organizations are now implementing earthquake drills and/or emergency procedures to prepare for another earthquake that may strike in the future

The quake caused an estimated $200 million in damage, including $15 million to repair cracks in the Washington Monument, which remains closed indefinitely

All in all, the earthquake, though powerful, could have been a lot worse in terms of damage and casualties, and it serves as a learning experience in terms of preparing for future quakes.